Eccentrically Rotating Mass Turbine

ABSTRACT

A turbine comprises a shaft (20), a mass (10) eccentrically mounted for rotation about shaft (20), having its center of gravity at a distance from the shaft (20) and a motion base (15). Motion base (15) rigidly supports the shaft (20), and is configured for moving the shaft (20) in any direction of at least two degrees of movement freedom, except for heave.A floating vessel-turbine (120), encloses entirely the eccentrically rotating mass (10) and the motion base (15). The turbine converts ocean wave energy into useful energy, very efficiently.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/689,075 and claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/032,045 now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10,533,531, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/193,104 now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10,060,408,U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/016,991, U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/185,627 and U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 62/210,455 submitted by the same inventorand incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appearsrelevant:

U.S. Patents Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 8,915,077 B22014 Dec. 23 Paakkinen 8,887,501 B2 2014 Nov. 18 Paakkinen 8,739,512 B22014 Jun. 3 Kanki 8,614,521 B2 2013 Dec. 24 Babaritet al. 8,456,026 B22013 Jun. 4 Cleveland 8,269,365 B2 2012 Sep. 18 Clement et al. 8,046,108B2 2011 Oct. 25 Hench 7,989,975 B2 2011 Aug. 2 Clement et al. 7,934,773B2 2011 May 3 Boulais et al. 7,906,865 B2 2011 Mar. 15 Minguela et al7,484,460 B2 2009 Feb. 3 Blum et al. 7,453,165 B2 2008 Nov. 18 Hench7,375,436 B1 2008 May 20 Goldin 7,003,947 B2 2006 Feb. 26 Kanki6,888,262 B2 2005 May 3 Blakemore 6,876,095 B2 2005 Apr. 5 Williams6,095,926 2000 Aug. 1 Hettema et al. 6,027,342 2000 Feb. 22 Brown4,843,250 1989 Jun. 27 Stupakis 4,352,023 1982 Sep. 28 Sachs et al.4,266,143 1981 May 5 Ng 3,577,655 1971 May 4 Pancoe 3,231,749 1966 Jan.25 Hinck   937,712 1909 Oct. 19 McFarland Patent Number Kind Code IssueDate Applicant U.S. Patent applications 2015/0123406 A1 2015 May 7Paakkinen 2012/0001432 A1 2012 Jan. 5 Clement et al. 2011/0012443 A12011 Jan. 20 Powers WO Patent applications WO2012103890 A1 2012 Aug. 9Jan Olsen WO2010034888 A1 2010 Apr. 1 Paakkinen

FIELD OF USE

The present invention relates to turbines which convert a prime sourceof power to powerful rotation and more specifically to turbines whichutilize gravitational and inertial forces applied on an eccentricallyrotating mass.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In prior art, a rotator eccentrically mounted for rotation on an uprightshaft and having its center of gravity at a distance from the shaft, hasbeen used to produce electrical power utilizing ocean waves as a primemover. Typically, a hollow floating structure, buoy or vessel providesthe base where the upright shaft is supported. In most cases therotating mass or pendulum having a weight attached at its distant endfrom the shaft is completely enclosed in the floating base forprotection from the sea water. The waves rock the floating structureimparting the motion to the shaft, where the mass is mounted forrotation. The upright shaft moves from its position, forward andbackward, or left and right or up and down in a linear or rotationaldirection causing the rotational displacement of the eccentricallyrotating mass, which moves to a new position due to gravitational andinertial forces. Unfortunately, most of the times, the mass oscillatesand only occasionally it rotates. Full rotations are difficult tosucceed due to the randomness of the wave parameters. One wave may setthe mass in rotation and the next may stop it, by generating rotationpreventing forces. Devices, in prior art, aimed to avoid rotationpreventing forces and “help” the mass into full rotations. U.S. Pat. No.8,915,077 and patent application no. 2015/0123406 disclose floatingstructures of particular designs including a fixed upright shaft and arotator. These structures have very specific designs and substantiallylarge dimensions, in relation to the rotating mass. They are designed toproduce beneficial inclinations and corresponding forces to “help” therotator to rotate in full circles. However, the stochasticity of thewave train is still not avoided, rocking the vessel, stochastically, andrelaying corresponding movement to the shaft. WO2010034888 and U.S. Pat.No. 7,375,436 describe devices that aim to “help” mass succeed fullrotations, in different ways. They include gyroscopes, poweredcontinuously to high rpm, in order to provide “the extra push” to themass and bring it closer to a full rotation, through precession torque.This “gyroscopic push” constantly consumes power and its effect maystill not be potent enough to overcome undesirable gravitational and/orelectrical load based, rotation preventing forces.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,453,165 describes a device for harnessing the power ofocean waves through a buoy, which supports a pendulum mounted on avertically oriented central shaft, fixed on the body of the buoy todirectly receive its movements. Again, the buoy imparts all desirableand undesirable movements to the shaft.

The undesirable, or rotation preventing motion of a vessel occurs whenan instant wave moves the vessel and inevitably the shaft, bringing itto a position that creates an “up-hill” for the rotating mass. Evenworse it is when the wave arrives at a time that the mass is inrotational deceleration “running out” of a previously developed angularmomentum.

The ideal condition for the mass rotation is to always have a“down-hill” ahead. It is an object of the present disclosure to generate“down-hill” conditions, most of the times.

The “down-hill” conditions occur when the shaft provides an inclinationto the mass, which generates a beneficial for the rotation torque, dueto gravity. This torque is maximum, when the lowest point of a“down-hill” is 90° ahead of the current position of the mass. Otherforces, such as inertial forces, generated from the movement of theshaft in multiple translational or rotational directions, may alsobenefit the rotation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,250 describes a buoyant vessel of a circular formwith a pivot shaft of a lever arm having a weight at the end thereof.The weight is freely rotatable in either direction through 360 degrees.The lower end of the shaft is coupled to a piston type hydraulic pump,which draws fluid from a reservoir and activates a hydraulic motor tocreate electricity. U.S. Pat. No. 8,456,026 describes a gyroscopicdevice which can be used as a power generator utilizing natural wind orwave motion to induce processional rotation in a gyroscopic device.Processional rotation is also the object of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,352,023,7,003,947 and 7,375,436. U.S. Pat. No. 6,876,095 describes a generatorwhich produces electrical power. The apparatus includes a main shaftwith a weight element coupled to an end of the shaft. The weight issupported at a distance from the axis of the shaft to generate angularmomentum upon movement of the end of the shaft on a cyclical arc path.This path belongs to one plane. A tangential force is applied to theshaft generated by a motor. The shaft is restricted to rotate only inone plane and about only one axis, being limited in contributingadditional forces, during a full rotation, that would make the weight'srotation more powerful and substantially increase its power generationcapability.

A floating vessel, disposed to ocean wave activity, can move in up tosix degrees of movement freedom. These are three translations,forward/backward (surge or Translation on the x-axis: T_(x)), left/right(sway or Translation on the y-axis: T_(y)), up/down (heave orTranslation on z-axis: T_(z)), and three rotations, pitch (rotationabout the forward/backward axis: R_(x)), roll (rotation about theleft/right axis: R_(y)) and yaw (rotation about the up and down axis:R_(z)).

Flight simulators or amusement ride capsules supported by motion basescan move in up to six degrees of freedom, as well. It is known in theart, that motion bases can be classified according to whether the motioncan be carried out by independent motion producing stages, stacked uponeach other, called “stacked” motion bases, or by a single platform,supported on a plurality of actuators, rams, or “legs”, utilizing theprinciples of parallel kinematics, called “synergistic” motion bases.

The independent motion stages in a “stacked” motion base can beimplemented by stacking simple machines such as linear slides, pivotsand swivels, which are activated independently, by a correspondingactuator. A linear slide, for example, may include a base, straight-linebearings on the base, a platform that moves in a straight line along thebearings and actuators such as hydraulic cylinders or sprocket andchain, which when activated can provide a translational motion to a bodyattached on its platform. Similarly, a pivoting platform can provide arotational motion.

The synergistic motion base consists of a part securely fixed and a partthat can be linearly moved, through a limited distance or rotatedthrough a limited angle. The movement of the one part of the baserelative to the other is usually produced by extensible actuators orrams.

A motion base is also classified according to the number of degrees ofmovement freedom, or simply degrees of freedom, or the directions inwhich it can move. The Stewart platform, well known in the art, is asynergistic motion base which can provide six degrees of freedom.

Actuators include hydraulic rams, electrical actuators, such as rotaryelectric motors without or with a gearing system, which can impart hightorque etc. Recently developed actuators include efficient pneumaticrams and electromagnetic rams, a form of dual action linear motor inwhich a piston moves freely in a cylinder like a hydraulic cylinder.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,460 claims a decouplable, movable track section ofan amusement ride path and “a motion base supporting the movable tracksection and the motion base being configured for moving the movabletrack section in a direction along any of three coordinate axes, or anycombination thereof, while also being configured for carrying out pitch,roll and yaw motions with the movable track section when the movabletrack section is decoupled.”

SUMMARY

A turbine comprises a shaft being vertical in non-operative position, amass eccentrically mounted for rotation about and in a perpendicularplane to the shaft, having its center of gravity at a distance of theshaft and a motion base rigidly supporting the shaft, being configuredfor moving the shaft in any of the directions of at least one set of twodegrees of movement freedom, selected from the following degrees ofmovement freedom: pitch, roll, yaw, surge and sway.

The turbine provides with embodiments functional both in land and ocean.Prime movers such as actuators or even a prime source itself, such asocean waves, provide with motion which activates a “stacked” or a“synergistic” motion base. A control system optimizes motion base'smovements for the creation of beneficial gravitational and/or inertialforces to the eccentrically rotating mass.

LIST OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbineutilizing the eccentrically rotating mass at an instant of a beneficialinclination.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbineutilizing a vertical u-joint motion base.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbinein the ocean protected from harsh conditions in a vessel.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbineutilizing a pivoting support for the eccentrically rotating mass.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbineutilizing a pivot support for the eccentrically rotating mass with anactuator.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an axial flux electromagneticrotational generator used with the turbine.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbinein a near-shore underwater operation.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the turbineoperating in the ocean utilizing a pivoting support for theeccentrically rotating mass.

FIG. 9a shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theturbine including an external prime source of power and a control meanswith sensors.

FIG. 9b shows a closed loop control diagram.

FIG. 10 shows a preferred embodiment of the turbine utilizing asubmerged floating frame, supporting a buoy.

FIG. 11 shows a preferred embodiment of the turbine utilizing asubmerged floating frame, supporting a spherical buoy.

FIG. 12 shows a closed loop control diagram with a wave sensor.

FIG. 13 shows an underwater electrical plant.

FIG. 14a shows a floating turbine with a ballast tank.

FIG. 14b shows a float with a ballast tank and a compressed air tank.

FIG. 15a shows a reciprocating mass operation in a submerged cylindricalbuoy.

FIG. 15b shows a partial side view of one instant of a submerged buoyoperation.

FIG. 15c shows a side view of an instant of a reciprocating mass in asubmerged buoy.

FIG. 16a shows a reciprocating mass embodiment utilizing a flywheel.

FIG. 16b shows a reciprocating mass embodiment utilizing a curved guiderail and racks.

FIG. 17 shows a reciprocating mass embodiment on a floating vessel.

FIG. 18 shows a reciprocating mass embodiment in an underwater glider.

FIG. 19 shows a floating turbine with asymmetric stiffness mooringlines.

FIG. 20 shows a floating turbine with a plurality of eccentricallyrotating masses and solar cells.

FIG. 21 shows a floating wave and solar energy conversion powerproduction plant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a turbine, utilizing a mass,eccentrically mounted for rotation, about a shaft in a perpendicular toshaft's main axis, plane. The mass has its center of gravity at adistance from the shaft. The mass rotation is facilitated with the useof bearings. The shaft, in one preferred embodiment, has a verticalnon-operative position and issupported rigidly, not to rotate, on amoving platform of a motion base. In operation, the motion base providesto the shaft translational and/or rotational movements at a limitedrange of motion, causing the shaft to deviate from its initial verticalposition. In another, preferred, embodiment the shaft is supported by apivoting platform supported by a pivot, providing pivoting to thepivoting platform about a horizontal axis. The pivot is fixed on asecond platform which limits the pivoting range of the pivoting platformto a small angle. The second platform is a motion base of the“synergistic” or “stacked” type. Shaft's deviation from the verticalposition generates gravitational forces on the mass, which cause itsrotation. Also, acceleration, deceleration and stopping of the shaft,generates inertial forces. The turbine disclosed can utilize bothgravitational and inertial forces to have its mass rotate.

The turbine described, herein, can be used in land or offshore on adedicated vessel or other ships, near-shore under the surface of thewater or on shore, with great efficiencies. A control system withsensors may also be included to optimize the mass' angular momentum, bycontrolling the gravitational and/or inertial forces provided by theshaft to the mass. In ocean applications the control system, inaddition, monitors the characteristics of the current wave, and ifneeded, the upcoming wave's as well, by having sensors disposed on theocean surface, in proximity to the vessel-turbine. The control systemmonitors the mass' rotational parameters, such as angular velocity andmomentum as well as the current and/or the upcoming wavecharacteristics, such as height, period and speed. It also monitors theupcoming possible shaft position, such as elevation, angle, rotationalor translational speed or acceleration depending on the characteristicsof the monitored waves. The load of turbine from compressor applicationsor electrical generation, is also monitored. The ocean control systemcompensates undesirable upcoming “up-hills” and creates the conditionsfor “down-hills” instead, by moving the shaft's position, accordingly.

Multiple controlled movements of the shaft can benefit the mass'rotation. However, at minimum, the movement of the shaft in thedirections of at least two degrees of freedom can generate sufficientforces to the shaft for a powerful mass rotation, substantially morebeneficial from the mass rotation that would have been derived byproviding forces to move the shaft in the directions of only one degreeof freedom. For example, it is more beneficial to surge and roll theshaft, within the same cycle, instead of only applying one of the tworotations. Similarly, it is more beneficial to provide pitch and roll orsurge and pitch to the shaft, instead of only one movement from the pairof movements, mentioned, per cycle. Movements in the directions of heavewould require substantial inclinations of the shaft to be beneficial,and is not being examined in the present disclosure. Below, thebeneficial combinations by two are examined:

1) All combinations, by two, of R_(x), R_(y), R_(z). Pitch and Roll cancreate “down-hills” which “help” the rotating mass' angular momentum.When a “down-hill” travel of the mass is over, the “difficulty of anup-hill”, for the rotation, may begin. Yaw rotational motion applied tothe mass can provide the additional “push”, to add to the mass' angularmomentum and “help” it overcome this “difficulty”.

2) T_(x)-R_(y), T_(y)-R_(x), T_(x)-R_(x), T_(y)-R_(y). Similarly, to theabove, Surge can fortify the rotating mass to overcome an “up-hill”created by Roll and Sway can “help” overcome an “up-hill” created fromPitch. Similarly, Surge and Pitch provide more angular momentum, throughinertial and gravitational forces, in comparison to applying only onethem. The same holds for Sway and Roll.

3) All combinations of T_(x), T_(y), R_(z). Surge and Sway can maintaina powerful angular momentum of a mass through inertial forces, withoutnecessarily needing a “down-hill” benefit. Of course, a “down-hill”benefit can be added to them as an extra “help”, but this is the “atleast two” list! Similarly, Yaw, applied in combination with Surge orSway, adds an additional benefit to the mass rotation.

Overall the beneficial combinations are as follows: pitch-roll,pitch-yaw, roll-yaw, surge-roll, sway-pitch, surge-pitch, sway-roll,surge-sway, surge-yaw, sway-yaw. These, though, are all the possiblecombinations by two, from all beneficial degrees of movement freedom.

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals are usedto indicate the same related elements, FIG. 1 shows a preferredembodiment of the turbine. It shows an eccentric mass 10, mounted forrotation, indicated by arrows 28. Mass 10 is freely rotatable in eitherdirection through 360 degrees about shaft 20 and its main axis 25. Therotation is facilitated by bearings (not shown). The rotational plane ofmass 10, about shaft 20, is perpendicular to shaft's main axis 25. Thecenter of gravity of mass 10 is at a distance from shaft 20.

Shaft 20 receives motion from motion base 15. Motion base 15 includes ashaft support 230, for supporting shaft 20, a fixed base 220 andactuators, such as 226 and 228. The actuators connect the underside ofshaft support 230 (not shown) to fixed base 220 and impart movement toshaft 20. The actuators, such as 226 and 228 are connected via sphericalbearings such as 222 and 224, or equivalent structures such as multipleaxis bearing assemblies, universal joints, ball joints, among others.These actuators drive motion base 15, synergistically, thus providingthe desirable movement to shaft 20, which sets eccentric mass 10 inrotation.

FIG. 1 illustrates the instant at which the shaft support is creating a“down-hill” for mass 10. The lowest point of the inclination isindicated by radius 235, while mass 10's position is indicated by radius240. Mass 10 will rotate “down-hill”, from this beneficial position,with a maximum torque, which is generated by the gravitational forcesexerted on mass 10, at this instant.

Control means (not shown), such as a programmable logic controller withsensors, monitors the dynamics of rotation of eccentric mass 10, whichis slowed down by the load of the turbine, which resists rotation, suchas compressor applications or electricity production (not shown). Thecontrol means provides feedback to motion base 15, which impartsoptimized movements and inclinations to shaft 20 in order to haveoptimized forces applied on mass 10 and overcome the resistive forces ofthe load. At least two degrees of freedom, as mentioned above, canprovide with powerful rotations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention whereinmotion base is the vertically oriented universal joint structure 45,which includes universal pivoting shaft support 30 and fixed pivot base60 which are connected to each other with universal joint means,including pivoting cross 50, and actuators 80 and 90.

Universal pivoting shaft support 30 supports shaft 20. Cross 50 pivotsabout fixed pivot base 60 in points 40 and 41. Cross 50 also allowspivoting of universal pivoting shaft support 30 in points 31 and 32.Actuators 80 and 90 connect universal pivoting shaft support 30'sextensions 70 and 100, to fixed pivot base 60, for imparting movement touniversal pivoting shaft support 30 and shaft 20. Actuators 80 and 90are connected via universal joints, 75, 76 and 95, 96, or equivalentstructures such as multiple axis bearing assemblies, spherical joints,ball joints, among others.

This preferred embodiment provides movement to universal pivoting shaftsupport 30 in pitch and roll directions in relation to fixed pivot base60. These rotational movements of universal pivoting support platform 30provide universal inclinations to shaft 20, thus generatinggravitational and inertial forces to mass 10, which can develop highangular velocity and momentum, thus providing powerful rotations.

Preferred embodiments of the turbine disclosed, such as the ones shownin FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can be used in ocean applications, as well, beingsecured on a floating vessel, totally enclosed for protection from thesea water.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the turbine operating in theocean. It utilizes the vertically oriented universal joint structure120, shown in FIG. 2, completely enclosed in floating vessel 120, byvessel's roof 121. Vessel 120 is disposed in ocean waves 110, which movein the direction indicated by arrow 112. The waves move vessel 20, whichmoves shaft 20. As a result, shaft 20 is forced to incline and mass 10starts rotating. When an “up-hill” for mass 10 is about to occur,actuators 80 and 90, provide with an inclination, at any plane,favorable to mass 10's rotation. Another preferred embodiment uses, inaddition, mooring means, such as anchors 122 and 124. Furthermore, inanother preferred embodiment, control means (not shown), includingsensors for predicting the parameters of the upcoming waves, disposedaround vessel 120, provide feedback for optimized mass 10's rotation.Other preferred embodiments may include different shapes of vessels.

FIG. 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the turbinecomprising pivoting platform 150, pivoting on horizontal pivot shaft155, which is supported with pivot supports 160, 162, 165 and 167 onmotion base 181. Pivoting platform 150 supports shaft 20 and eccentricmass 10. Shaft 20's main axis 25, crosses horizontal pivot shaft 155.

Motion base 181 is a one-stage motion base providing pivoting topivoting platform 150. The position of pivoting platform 150, whichsupports shaft 20, depends only partially on the movement of motion base181. That is, motion base 181 does not fully control shaft's 20 positionas it was the case in the previous preferred embodiments.

Motion base 181 comprises fixed base 1, base support 180, which ispivotally supported on base pivot shaft 185, which, in turn is supportedon fixed base 1 with pivot support members 172, 174, 176 and 178. Motionbase 181, further comprises actuator 190. Actuator 190 is connected tofixed base 1 and the underside of base support 180 with rotationaljoints 192 and 194. Actuator 190 imparts rotational motion to basesupport 180.

Pivoting platform 150 is arranged for a limited range of pivotingmotion, which stops when it reaches base support 180. Cushioning means,such as spring 170, may be used to absorb the impact of stopping.

Horizontal pivot shaft 155 is arranged to be perpendicular to base pivotshaft 185. Mass 10, in its non-operative position has pivoting platform150 leaning on one side. When Actuator 190 starts pivoting base support180, mass 10 begins to rotate. When mass 10 passes over horizontal pivotshaft 155, mass 10's weight pivots pivoting platform 150 on its otherside. When this happens, a “down-hill” position is created for mass 10'sproviding maximum torque for mass 10's rotation. This “helps” mass 10 todevelop angular momentum.

Another preferred embodiment (not shown) includes pivoting platform 150,pivoting on top of a motion base with more than one degree of freedom.Yet, another preferred embodiment has pivoting platform 150 pivoting ona synergistic motion base, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows the turbine shown in FIG. 4, further including actuator195, connecting base support 180 to pivoting platform 150, withrotational joints. Actuator 195 optimizes mass 10's rotation, bycontrolling the pivoting of pivoting platform 150. Control means 199monitor mass 10's angular momentum and controls the activation ofactuators 190 and 195, in a coordinated manner to optimize mass 10'srotation.

FIG. 6 illustrates an electrical generator added between pivotingplatform 150 and mass 10. The generator includes disc 200, which is inrotational communication with mass 10. Disc 200 has in its undersideattached magnets such as 202 and 204, with proper polarity arrangementand magnetic field direction, facing coils 206, 208. The coils aresupported by pivoting platform 150. When mass 10 rotates, the coilsproduce electricity. This is an implementation of an axial fluxgenerator. This generator pivots along with shaft 20, in direction, 168.Other embodiments (not shown) have a stator attached on shaft 20, whilehaving the rotor in rotational communication with the eccentric mass 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the turbine in underwateroperation, near-shore. The eccentric mass rotating mechanism is enclosedin a buoy, supported by beam means, which pivots about a horizontalpivot, provided by a fixed base in the ocean floor. More specifically,submerged buoy base 360, completely covered and protected by sea waterwith buoy roof 361 fully encloses all eccentric mass rotation mechanismand pivots shown in FIG. 4 (shown only partially here). Underwater fixedplatform 310 is secured on the ocean floor 300. Vertical beam means suchas pivoting frame comprising rods 332 and 334, is connected on thebuoyant panel assembly, which here includes panel 330 and float 350.Included in the beam means, supporting frame 342, 344, 346, 348 securelysupports submerged buoy base 360. Pivot points, or hinges 352 and 354,pivotally support rods 332 and 334. The buoyant panel is disposed toreceive the surge motion of ocean waves 301. When ocean surge moves thebuoyant panel, the beam means pivots in directions 320. Stop springs 365and 370 may be used to provide limited range of pivoting.

This embodiment, although in different scale and environment utilizesanalogous functional elements as in previous embodiments, that is: (i) abase support for the pivoting platform, shaft and rotating massmechanism (submerged buoy base), (ii) a base pivot (beam means), (iii) afixed base (underwater fixed platform) and (iv) an actuator (buoyantpanel). The waves' surge is the prime source of power, here, as, forexample, electricity powers an electric actuator.

FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment operating on the oceansurface. Pivoting platform 150 is pivotally supported by pivot supportmembers 160, 162, 165 and 167, which are fixed on vessel 120, as shown.Pivoting platform 150 supports shaft 20 and mass 10, which rotates aboutshaft 20. Vessel 120 is moored with mooring means such as anchors 122and 124, to maintain horizontal pivot shaft 155 substantially parallelto the direction of waves 112. Pivoting platform 150 rolls in directions168, at a restricted range of pivoting motion limited by the vessel'sfloor. Cushioning means, such as spring 170 can be used to absorb theimpact of platform 150's stopping, in both sides of its pivoting. Waves114 impart pitching motion to vessel 120 in the direction 169. Vessel120 imparts the same pitch motion to shaft 20. When the waves pitchvessel 120, mass 10 starts rotating about shaft 20. When mass 10, passeson top of horizontal pivot shaft 155, pivoting platform 150 rolls in itsother side, instantly providing a “down-hill” with maximum torque formass 10, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 114of the waves. Therefore, shaft 20 is provided with the capability ofinclining towards the pitch and roll directions, in a coordinated way,so that mass 10 completes full rotations, instead of oscillations.

Roof 119 totally encloses pivoting platform 150, shaft 20 and mass 10,protecting them from sea water. In addition, a tube float such as tubefloat 121 can be securely attached on vessel 120's body, surroundingvessel 120, as shown in FIG. 8. Tube float 121 is used to keep vessel120 substantially horizontal, when floating in still water.

Another embodiment further includes an actuator, similar to actuator195, shown in FIG. 5 connecting the underside of pivoting platform 150with vessel's floor with rotational joints and control means and sensorsfor monitoring wave characteristics, turbine load and mass 10's positionand rotational dynamics, such as angular velocity and momentum. Controlmeans controls the operation of actuator 195, which optimizes thepivoting angle, position and dynamics, such as speed of raising orlowering pivoting platform 150, in order to provide mass 10 an optimizedrotation. Another embodiment further includes additional actuators forbetter stability and pivoting of pivoting platform 150. Anotherembodiment further includes a swivel supported on vessel 120, supportingthe eccentric mass mechanism, in order to modify the alignment ofpivoting platform 150, if needed, depending on the waves' direction.

The following 3 paragraphs below contain text exactly as shown inProvisional Patent application 62/210,455, submitted by the presentinventor. This prov. appl. was in the Cross-Reference to RelatedApplications section of patent application Ser. No. 15/193,104 as wellas the present application. The text clearly recites that the source ofpower to the turbine, mentioned throughout this application and appl.Ser. No. 15/193,104 is an external to the turbine, power source:62/210,455, Description, 2^(nd) § “This secured support with theuniversal pivoting capability is subjected to the forces of an externalprime source of power and constitutes the secured universal pivotingsupport means. The secured universal pivoting support means may be auniversal joint (also called u-joint or Cardan joint) including morethan two hydraulic pistons connected in a manner to provide tilting tothe u-joint at more than one plane. In this case the prime source ofenergy is compressed fluid. Another secured universal pivoting supportmeans may be embodied by a tripod consisting of three piezoelectric orelectro-active polymer actuators supporting a platform with a hole inthe middle. This hole is the preparation where a miniature eccentricmass can be bearing-mounted. When voltage is supplied to theseactuators—tripod legs, they can cause the inclination of the platform'slevel and the eccentric mass' rotation. In this case the prime source ofenergy is voltage . . . . Prime source of power can also be the humanarms causing the inclination of the secured universal pivoting supportmeans.”

Also 62/210,455 pg 16, 1^(st) §: “In another preferred embodiment,compressed fluid is used as a prime source of energy, which is providedthrough a combustion process or wave point absorbers, such as wavebobbing buoys connected to pistons, well known in the art. In the lattercase, the turbine's adjustable platform is secured through a secureduniversal pivoting support means utilizing a u-joint mechanism on asecure sea platform supported by the bottom of the sea. Around the seaplatform, wave energy converting buoys generate fluid under compression,through hydraulic means, which is used as prime source of power for thesecured universal pivoting support means”.

Also 62/210,455 pg 14, penultimate §: “prime power source is applied atdiscrete instances and not continuously, thus making the DynamicallyAdjustable Rotational Level of the Eccentric Mass (DARLEM) turbine veryefficient. Such a source of power can be a combustible fuel, i.e.natural gas, or a clean renewable source such as the ocean waves.”

In addition, 62/210,455 drawings: FIG. 4, FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, clearlyshow that the prime source of power is external and it can be suppliedby a variety of methods as mentioned above, including a compressedfluid, natural gas and ocean waves. FIG. 9a , of the present applicationillustrates this external source of power 299, as also it was shown in62/210,455 appl. FIG. 6. In addition, FIG. 9a shows the control means199 (PLC with sensors), as it was also shown in FIG. 5 of applicationSer. No. 15/193,104 and FIG. 8 of prov. appl. 62/210,455.

FIG. 9b of the present application shows the diagram of the controlmeans, as it was described in application Ser. No. 15/193,104, pg. 10,1^(st) and 2^(nd) full §: “FIG. 1 illustrates the instant at which theshaft support is creating a “down-hill” for mass 10. The lowest point ofthe inclination is indicated by radius 235, while mass 10's position isindicated by radius 240. Mass 10 will rotate “down-hill”, from thisbeneficial position, with a maximum torque, which is generated by thegravitational forces exerted on mass 10, at this instant. Control means(not shown), such as a programmable logic controller with sensors,monitors the dynamics of rotation of eccentric mass 10, which is sloweddown by the load of the turbine, which resists rotation, such ascompressor applications or electricity production (not shown). Thecontrol means provides feedback to motion base 15, which impartsoptimized movements and inclinations to shaft 20 in order to haveoptimized forces applied on mass 10 and overcome the resistive forces ofthe load. At least two degrees of freedom, as mentioned above, canprovide with powerful rotations.” Also, in pg. 8, 1^(st) full §: “ . . .the control system monitors the . . . angular velocity”.

The block diagram of FIG. 9b shows a feedback control system designed toachieve a desired angular velocity. The desired angular velocity's setpoint (S.P.) value is entered in the controller. The measured angularvelocity and the current position of the mass are retrieved by thecontroller from the sensor which monitors the dynamics of the massrotation. The measured angular velocity at current position issubtracted by the S.P., and the resulted error is used by the controllerto adjust the positioning of shaft 20, through the repositioning of themotion base's support platform 230. The controller can instruct themotion base, according to the error, to provide an inclination for themass to follow, such as the “downhill” discussed in the above paragraph.

FIG. 10 shows a preferred embodiment of the turbine in an underwateroperation, offshore. Submerged floating frame 400 is moored to the oceanfloor 300 with mooring lines 402, 404, 406 and 408. Buoy 410 ispivotally supported on frame 400, with pegs 421 and 422 which are fixedon buoy 410's outer surface. The eccentric mass mechanism is entirelyenclosed inside buoy 410, as shown in this figure and described in moredetail in FIG. 7's description above. The mechanism's supporting legs160, 162, 165 and 167 are fixed on buoy 410's lower internal wall. Frame400 is moored so that the horizontal pivot shaft 155 is substantiallyparallel to wave direction. The wave surge power is the external sourceof power used in this embodiment. The wave surge forces are exerted onthe buoyant panel. The buoyant panel can be a single hollow panel or apanel assembly of panel 330 and float 350. The buoyant panel is securelymounted on buoy 410 and keeps shaft 20 in a substantially upwardposition, in still water. The wave surge forces the buoyant panel topivot back and forth in the directions of arrows 320. Along with thebuoyant panel, buoy 410 and the eccentric mass mechanism pivot as well.The back and forth pivoting sets eccentric mass 10 in rotation aroundshaft 20. Electricity can be produced by a permanent magnet generator,included inside the buoy and having its rotor rotatably connected to therotating eccentric mass 10. FIG. 6 above shows such a configuration.

A preferred embodiment utilizes a stop to limit buoy 410's pivoting. Arope, an elastic belt or a spring can be used as belt 425. Anotherpreferred embodiment uses as a stop, a brake mechanism applied on pegs421 and 422. Such a brake mechanism can be a friction brake, compressedfluid brake and dynamic or regenerative motor brake, all well known inthe art. FIG. 10 shows motor/generator 420 securely housed in frame 400.Motor/generator 420 is rotatably connected to peg 421, either directlyor with gearing means. When the motor/generator is not in operation, peg421 pivots freely about frame 400. When in operation, themotor/generator can limit buoy 410's pivoting working as a brake, suchas a dynamic brake. It can lock, temporarily, the peg's rotation whenthe buoyant panel has reached a “dead” point, that is a point in whichthe buoyant panel is fully stopped and about to start moving in theopposite direction. This may happen if the mass has not already passedover shaft 155. The temporary immobilization of the buoy gives time tothe mass to continue its rotation towards the direction it was heading,and due to momentum, pass over shaft 155. Then, the motor/generator canimmediately release this momentary lock to the peg so that the buoyantpanel starts pivoting in the opposite direction, “catching up” with thewave, now though, synchronized with the mass rotation.

FIG. 11 shows the eccentric mass mechanism enclosed in a spherical buoy.Here, belt 426 has reached its limit and therefore the buoyant panel hasreached its rightmost dead-point position. As FIG. 11 shows, mass 10,which at this instant is moving clock-wise, indicated by arrow 427, isnot even in the proximity of shaft 155's right end 429, where therotating mass was heading towards. If at this instant the buoyant panelstarts moving at the opposite direction, this movement will exert to themass forces opposing its clockwise rotation. Synchronization of the massrotation with the buoyant panel's pivoting can occur by temporaryimmobilizing the peg, as mentioned above. Another way is to switch theproduction generator's mode to motor. That is to switch the operation ofthe generator shown in FIG. 6, to motor. This motor mode can rotate themass clockwise to bypass shaft 155. Furthermore, an additional way tosucceed synchronization would be to control the mass rotation throughthe decreasing or increasing the production generator's torque force.

Switching generator mode to motor happens when the generator's electriccurrent direction, flowing through its coils, is reversed. However, byonly decreasing or increasing the electric current, flowing through thecoils, in generator's mode, this will control the torque force appliedto the rotor. This follows the same principle as in regenerativebraking. Regenerative breaking, occurs when the electric current goingthrough the generator's coils does not switch direction but it isincreased. When the current is increased, the back EMF (electromotiveforce) exerted on the rotor increases and the rotor now requires moreeffort to rotate. This decelerates the rotor. If the electric currentgoing through the rotor coils does not change direction but onlydecreases, then the back EMF also decreases thus “easing” up the massrotation. This control through this “regenerative mass rotationfacilitation” will assist the turbine to: i) always provide powerproduction, unlike the case of switching to motor mode, ii) not wastethe energy when increasing the torque requirement overcome (regenerativebraking) and iii) achieve efficient power production as many more fullmass rotations will be succeeded in the various wave periods.

FIG. 12 shows a control algorithm for controlling the mass' angularvelocity through the “regenerative mass rotation facilitation” discussedabove. An incident wave's characteristics sensor constantly senses theincident wave's period. This time period coincides with the time that itis desired for the mass to complete a full circle. Since this time isknown, then the desired mass angular velocity for completing a360-degree rotation, during this wave, is also known. This desiredangular velocity provides the set point (S.P.). The measured angularvelocity provided by the control means sensor, shown as sensor in FIG.12, is subtracted by the S.P. and the resulted error is entered in thecontroller. The controller output adjusts the production generator'storque force overcome requirement, according to the error, thusincreasing or decreasing the mass angular velocity with the goal tomatch the desired angular velocity.

The previously mentioned motor/generator 420 of FIG. 10 can provide withan additional benefit during extreme weather conditions. In theseconditions, motor/generator 420 can rotate the buoyant panel downwardsuntil it reaches its home position, for protection. The home position iswhen the buoyant panel is “folded”, and locked on frame 400. Latchingmeans, such as locks 432 and 434, as shown in FIG. 10, are used to latchbeams 332 and 334. An additional motor/generator (not shown) may beused, rotatably connected to peg 422, for redundancy and additionalrotating force.

A preferred embodiment utilizes a buoy 410 in the shape of a solid ofrevolution. The solid of revolution is arranged to rotate around thesolid's main axis. Solids of revolution do not displace water whenrotate underwater, around their main axis. This provides with asignificant efficiency advantage, as the force needed to pivot a buoy,underwater, is smaller for solids of revolution than in other solids,which require an extra force to also displace a water mass, whilepivoting. Thus, in the embodiment utilizing a buoy with the shape of asolid of revolution, the area of the buoyant panel exposed to the wavesurge can be smaller, resulting in a geometrically smaller and thereforemore efficient overall turbine. An example of such a solid is thecylinder, shown as buoy 410, in FIG. 10 or spherical buoy 440, shown inFIG. 11, which is arranged to pivot about one of its diameters.

FIG. 11 also shows a wave surge characteristics' sensor 435 for sensingan incident wave's period, and a control means with sensors 436, whichmonitors the dynamics of mass rotation. Wave surge characteristicsbuoy/sensor 435 is floating on the ocean surface and moored in proximityto the turbine. The control means with sensors 436 is enclosed in thespherical buoy 440. Both are in control signal communication. Thiscommunication can be wired or wireless.

FIG. 13 illustrates an underwater power plant comprising a submergedfloating frame, 450, which is moored to the ocean floor, as shown. Frame450 supports a plurality of cylindrical buoy turbines, such as turbines451, 452, 453 and 454, Each turbine contains the eccentric massmechanism for electrical power production, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.Each cylinder further includes an electrical power production generator,as shown in FIG. 6. Also, each cylinder pivot pivots about asubstantially horizontal axis, as shown. Submerged electrical cable 455carries the electricity produced by all cylindrical turbines to the gridor to a variety of points of electrical power consumption such as asubmerged docking station for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV's), adesalination plant, or even a heat recovery storage and steam generationplant, as described in recent U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/012,113, of thesame inventor.

FIG. 14a shows the embodiment of FIG. 9a floating on the surface of theocean, being entirely enclosed in a vessel surrounded securely by thehorizontally positioned toroidal float 490, which keeps shaft 20,substantially vertical in still water, as it was described above. Thisembodiment is further equipped with a marine propulsion engine 460 and asteering rudder 461. Using the propulsion engine, the turbinestransportation from and to the electricity production ocean sites doesnot require a tag boat. During this transport the rotating mass isimmobilized at a home position by chain means.

In addition, this embodiment is equipped with an air compressor 462,which is in fluid communication with the upper surface of float 121.

FIG. 14b shows a vertical cross section of float 490. Internally, thefloat is divided into two sections by an internal horizontal andcontinuous divider wall indicated by 486 and 488. The lower section isthe ballast tank indicated by chambers 466 and 468 and the upper sectionis the compressed air tank indicated by 482 and 484.

In extreme weather, flood ports 472 and 474 open, allowing ocean waterto enter the ballast tank. During this process the air vents 476 and 478remain open. As a result, the vessel sinks under the surface of thewater for protection. When the harsh conditions are over, the floodports open and high-pressure air is introduced into the ballast tankthrough the air valves 492 and 494. The air vents 476 and 478 will beclosed. The air pushes the water out of the ballast tank through theflood ports. Once the weight of the water is removed, the vessel risesup again to the surface of the ocean. Compressed air is replenished intothe compressed air tank through compressed air inlet 480 and inlet valve481. Air compressor 462, shown in FIG. 14a is in fluid communicationwith inlet 480. While submerged, the rotating mass still continues toproduce electricity by the rotating mass 10.

FIG. 15a illustrates a preferred embodiment in underwater operation,which utilizes a buoyant pivoting panel, such as the panel 330 in plane331, with the float 350. The buoyant pivoting panel is disposed tocapture the surge motion of ocean waves 301. It is supported by beammeans such as rods 332 and 334. The rods are fixed on cylindrical buoy410, which can pivot about its main axis. External pegs 421 and 422,which are aligned with buoy 410's main axis, are fixed on the buoy'sexternal surface. The pegs pivotally support buoy 410 on a pivotingbase, such as the pivoting rings with legs 501 and 502. The pivotingbase is secured on the ocean floor 300.

Buoy 410 encloses electrical generator 500, which is fixed on the buoy'sinternal wall with supports 503 and 504. The generator's rotor shaft 510is coaxial with the cylindrical buoy's main axis and it is securelysupported on the buoy's internal wall with bearing 511, which is fixedon the buoy's wall, as it is shown in FIG. 15 a.

Buoy 410 also encloses mass 505, which can securely slide or roll onmass guide rail 506, which is fixed on buoy 410's internal walls, as itis shown in FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c . Mass 505 reciprocates on rail 506 whenthe ocean wave surge motion pivots the pivoting panel and thereforerotates back and forth the cylindrical buoy on its main axis. FIGS. 15band 15c are side views of the buoy, both viewed from the same side, attwo different instances of the buoy's pivoting, partially illustratingthe mechanism enclosed in buoy 410.

Mass 505 is securely attached to belt or chain 514 with coupling 518, asit shown in FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c . Chain 514 provides clockwiserotation to freewheel 516, which is secured on rotor shaft 510, as it isshown in FIGS. 15a and 15b . FIG. 15b shows an instant when the wavesurge has pivoted buoy 410 and mass 505 started rolling downwards,pulling chain 514 through pulleys or sprockets 512 and 513 to transmitrotational power to freewheel 516. Mass 505 pulls chain 514 in thedirection shown by arrow 519, which rotates freewheel 516 in a clockwiserotation as shown by arrow 517. This rotational power is transferred togenerator's rotor shaft 510, shown in FIG. 15a . When mass 505 reversesits direction due to the panel's pivoting on the opposite side,freewheel 516 is disengaged, rotating freely, without providing anyrotation to the rotor shaft.

Mass 505 is also securely attached to chain 524 with coupling 528, as itis shown in FIGS. 15a and 15c . Chain 524 provides also clockwiserotation to freewheel 526, which is secured on rotor shaft 510, as it isshown in FIGS. 15a and 15c . FIG. 15c shows an instant when the wavesurge has pivoted buoy 410 and mass 505 started rolling downwards,pulling chain 524 through pulleys or sprockets 522 and 523 to transmitrotational power to freewheel 526. Mass 505 pulls chain 524 in thedirection shown by arrow 529, which rotates freewheel 526 in a clockwiserotation as shown by arrow 527. This rotational power is transferred togenerator's rotor shaft 510, shown in FIG. 15a . When mass 505 reversesits direction, freewheel 526 is disengaged, thus rotating freely withoutproviding any rotation to the rotor shaft.

In this preferred embodiment, the reciprocating mass 505 providesunidirectional rotation to the generator's shaft, with its reciprocatingmotion on the guide rail, thus activating the electrical power 500 toproduce electrical power.

An electrical cable, 509, disposed on the seabed 300, exits the buoy, ina water tight manner, to transfer the electrical power produced bygenerator 500 to the application needing the electrical power, such asthe electrical grid.

FIG. 16a illustrates another preferred embodiment of the reciprocatingmass 550 mechanism. In this embodiment mass 550 is set to reciprocatingin the pitch direction due to a pivoting motion of a pivoting platform,such as base support 180, which is supported for pivoting on fixed base1 as follows: base support 180 is pivotally supported on base pivotshaft 185, which in turn is supported by pivot support members 172, 174,173, 175, on fixed base 1. Additional pivot support members are used(not shown) to support base pivot 180 on fixed base 1.

Actuator 190 is connected to fixed base 1 and the underside of basesupport 180. Actuator 190 imparts rotational motion to base support 180.Actuator 190, is powered by an external power source, such as diesel aircompressor 594 connected to compressed air tank 595. A spring, such asspring 596 may be used to help base support 180's pivoting motion.

The pivoting motion imparted to base support 180, sets guide rail 552,which is fixed on base support 180, in pivoting motion as well. As theguide rail pivots, mass 550 slides or rolls on the pivoting guide railback and forth. Gear racks 554 and 564 are fixed on mass 550 and engagefreewheel gears 556 and 566, respectively. Both freewheel gears aremounted on shaft 570. Shaft 570 is securely supported on base support180 on bearings with secure bases such as 571, 572 and 573. Shaft 570can freely rotate about these bearings. Gear racks 554 and 564, beingfixed on reciprocating mass 550, provide reciprocation motion tofreewheel gears 556 and 566, respectively. Both freewheel gears areengaged in a counterclockwise rotation, while they can rotate freely,clockwise. When mass 550 moves towards the direction of arrow 560, gearrack 564, being engaged on freewheel 566 forces its counterclockwiserotation, as also shown by arrow 568. Since freewheel gear 566 engagesin the counterclockwise direction, it forces shaft 570 to rotate in thecounterclockwise direction, as well. While mass 550 moves towards thesaid direction of arrow 560, gear rack 554, being in contact withfreewheel gear 556, it forces its clockwise rotation, which does notprovide any rotation to shaft 570. This is due to the fact thatfreewheel gear 556 also engages in the counterclockwise rotation, asmentioned. In the clockwise rotation freewheel gear 556, simply rotatesfreely about shaft 570, which at the moment, may be in acounterclockwise direction.

When mass 550 and gear racks 554 and 564 move at the opposite direction,indicated by arrow 559, freewheel 556 is forced to a counterclockwiserotation by gear rack 554, and since the freewheel gear engages incounterclockwise rotation, it forces shaft 570 to rotatecounterclockwise, while the other gear, gear 566 rotates freelyclockwise around shaft 570, forced by gear rack 564. Therefore, whenmass 550 moves back and forth, it provides a useful and efficientunidirectional rotation to shaft 570, which for the embodiment of FIG.16a is the counterclockwise rotation.

Flywheel 575 is also mounted for rotation on shaft 570, as shown in FIG.16a . The flywheel is mounted on freewheel 576. Freewheel 576 alsoengages in the counterclockwise rotation. When shaft 570 rotatescounterclockwise, due to the reciprocating motion of mass 550, shaft 570forces flywheel 575 on counterclockwise rotation shown by arrow 577, asfreewheel 576 engages in the counterclockwise rotation. If mass 550,momentarily stops, flywheel 577, due to momentum, continues to rotatefreely about shaft 570, thus releasing its kinetic energy accumulated.It continues to rotate freely because freewheel 576, can rotate freelyclockwise or allow flywheel 575 to rotate counterclockwise when shaft570's rotation is stopped.

Flywheel 577 transfers its rotational power, imparted by mass 550, togenerator 590, utilizing rotational communication means as follows: FIG.16a shows belt 578 around the flywheel and roller 580; this roller issupported with fixed legs 581 and 582 on base support 180; belt 584transfers the roller's rotational power to the generator's rotor 592.Other rotational communication means, as well as drive and gearingmeans, such as a gear box or drive chains, sprockets, pulleys, drivebelts, gear belts, V belts etc. can be used to transfer power. Yet inother preferred embodiments the rotational power from flywheel 575 canbe transferred to the generator's rotor directly.

Generator 590 is securely fixed on base support 180, as well, utilizinga secure generator base 591.

FIG. 16a shows also the power transfer from the external power source.In this embodiment, a diesel compressor, 594, is used to activateactuator 190 and eventually set shaft 570 in the unidirectional rotationwhich produces electrical power. Other preferred embodiments can useother prime power sources such as human hands to pivot a platform, suchas platform 180, ocean wave power or even and the sun's power whichnaturally causes the ocean thermal gradient.

Yet, other preferred embodiments utilize a different mass, guide rail,gear racks and drive power and gearing means positioning.

FIG. 16b shows a preferred embodiment utilizing a curved guide rail,such as fixed guide rail 752. A suitably, to guide rail's 752 curve,curved mass 750 rolls back and forth on guide rail 752, as a result ofthe pitch motion of base support 180. Mass 750 rolls on guide rail 752with wheels 770 and 771, attached on mass 750. The mass 750 stops itsreciprocating motion with the use of stops fixed on base support such asstops 772 and 774. These stops can be cushions or springs to absorb theimpact of stopping mass 750.

Mass 750 carries fixed gear racks 754 and 764. These gear racks havesuitable curvatures to engage with freewheel gears 556 and 566throughout their travelling path on curved guide rail 752. Theyreciprocate in the directions of arrows 759 and 760.

FIG. 17 shows another preferred embodiment utilizing reciprocating mass505. A floating vessel 120 has a vessel longitudinal axis 599,substantially aligned with oncoming wave direction 112. Guide rail 506is fixed on the floating vessel and has a longitudinal axis parallel tothe vessel's longitudinal axis. Mass 505 can slide or roll on guide 506.

Ocean waves 114 pitch vessel 120 up and down in the directions shown byarrows 169, and therefore the vessel transfers the pitch motion to guiderail 506. The guide rail's pitch motion causes mass 505 to reciprocate,which causes drive chain 514 to reciprocate. Chain 514's reciprocationrotates freewheel 516. Also mass 505 causes chain 524's to reciprocateproviding rotation to freewheel 526 (as shown in FIG. 15.a). Thefreewheels provide unidirectional rotation to a shaft 510 (as it wasalso shown in FIG. 15a ), which activates a generator, such as the 500of FIG. 15a , which is also fixed on floating vessel 120 and generateselectrical power, which is sent to the electrical grid or powerapplication by an electrical cable. In this embodiment the prime powersource is the ocean wave activity.

A preferred embodiment utilizes also a flywheel, as the flywheel shownin FIG. 16a . Yet another embodiment may use a moored vessel withmooring means 122, as shown in FIG. 17. Yet another embodiment may use aplurality of vessels in succession. The first one is moored with mooringmeans, such as mooring means 122 and the others are tied in series, thatis the second vessel's front part is tied with a rope or cable withfirst one's back part etc. creating a line of vessels aligned with thedirection of the oncoming waves.

FIG. 18 shows an underwater glider vehicle 600, which is propelled withbuoyancy control, utilizing a prime source of power. The prime source ofpower for an underwater glider could be the sun and the thermal gradientthat is naturally created in the ocean, the hands of a human operator, acompressed air tank or, a pre-charged electrical battery.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,596 discloses a submersible marine craft foraccomplishing a hydrodynamic propulsive movement with buoyancy control,operated by a human. A pressurizable buoyancy controlling chamber,containing water and also containing gas within a variable volumeenvelope means, is utilized. A pump can pump ambient water into thechamber through a valve, thus changing the buoyancy into slightlynegative, forcing the craft to descent. The pump can also force thewater out of the chamber, thus creating a slightly positive buoyancy forthe craft to ascend.

Autonomous underwater gliders are a type of Autonomous UnderwaterVehicles (AUVs) which employ a variable buoyancy propulsion, similar tothe submersible craft of U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,596. The forward propulsionis succeeded with the use of hydrofoils or wings, which propel the craftor glider forward while the craft or glider is forced to move up or downwhen at slightly positive or negative buoyancy modes, respectively. Thisis why the underwater gliders follow a “saw-tooth” trajectory.Autonomous underwater glider vehicles are commercially available. Forexample, Teledyne Webb Research Inc. of Falmouth, Mass. hascommercialized such a vehicle, called Slocum.

Autonomous underwater glider vehicles use a piston to flood or evacuatea pressurizable water compartment or chamber, located in the glider'sfront part or nose, which changes the vehicle's weight to provide aslightly negative or positive buoyancy for descending or ascending,respectively. Such pistons can also move oil in or out of an external tothe vehicle bladder, thus practically changing the vehicle's volume andincreasing or decreasing the glider's buoyancy, respectively. Internalbladders expanded by a hydraulic oil can also be used to remove waterfrom the pressurizable water chamber, through the chamber's ambientwater valve.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,847 discloses a thermal engine used by autonomousunderwater glider vehicles. This engine is powered by the energycollected from the ocean temperature differentials through heat exchangewith a temperature responsive material. The material undergoes expansionand contraction and a state change, in response to a temperature change.Wax, polyolefinic materials, a solution of carbon dioxide ammonia andother Phase Change Materials (PCMs) can be used, according to theoperational temperatures needed. The energy derived by the expansion andcontraction of the temperature-responsive material is stored in aresilient energy storage medium (e.g., a compressed gas, such asnitrogen) via a piston. The energy derived from the temperaturedifferentials is used to cause a change in buoyancy for purposes ofpropulsion. The change in buoyancy is achieved by expanding orcontracting an expandable chamber (e.g., a bladder) by pumping alow-compressibility filling material (e.g. hydraulic oil). This pumpingis done by a piston being driven by the gas, as explained in U.S. Pat.No. 5,291,847. The engine requires no connection to an external sourceof energy to power the forward propulsion of an underwater glider.

Underwater gliders carry a payload related to the mission of itsjourney. Usually it comprises electronics and sensors for salinity andocean environmental research, in general. In order to power theseelectronics, as well as the valves' function, GPS trans-receivers usedfor satellite data up/downloading, when the glider reaches the oceansurface, and data procession on board, electricity is needed on board,as well. This electricity, so far is provided to the gliders by apre-charged battery, which is included on board. When the battery isemptied, the glider's mission stops and occasionally the vehicle islost. Therefore, the electrical power on board is of high importance.

The electrical power generation system for use by underwater gliderswith buoyancy control propulsion described herein, prolongs the batterylife, and therefore the mission time of the glider. It is based on thereciprocating mass power transfer, during a glider's “saw tooth”pithing, gliding journey. This system converts into electricity a smallexcess of the thermal energy captured by the glider's thermal engineduring its journey.

The mass reciprocation displacement range is set to be limited, so thatthe reciprocating mass' motion affects only minimally the vehicle'sgliding dynamics. However, a driving gear of a very small diameter verysmall diameter, rotationally connected to the generator of thereciprocating mass turbine described herein, can provide a substantialnumber of revolutions of the generator rotor in the many thousands of upand down “saw-tooth” changes, or dive cycles, typically occurring duringa glider's 2,000 to 3,000 Km missions. The produced power is substantialconsidering that a typical data rate transmission by a glider “costs”about 40 Joules per kilobyte. Also, to economize on the total vehicleweight, the reciprocating mass can be the electrical battery needed bythe glider. Typically, the Slocum glider's total weight is 50 Kgr, whilehaving a buoyancy 50.2 Kgr.

FIG. 18 shows underwater glider vehicle 600 having a vehicle housing640, a vehicle housing longitudinal axis 649, a pressurizable watercompartment or chamber 607, which occupies the glider's nose, and athermal engine 604. The thermal engine comprises the chamber of thephase change material (PCM) and the chamber of the compressible gas,separated by a piston, and a third chamber containing hydraulic oilwhich is disposed to be constricted by the expansion of the expansion ofthe PCM and the gas. The chamber 644 shown, contains the PCM and thechamber 645 contains the compressible gas. Piston 603 provides pressureto the gas chamber 645, when the PCM is solidified at lowertemperatures, such as in the deeper ocean water environment. The gas,being compressed, forces oil from oil chamber 646 to enter bladder 606through valve 602. Assuming that the water compartment or chamber 607was filled with ambient water, during descending, now, at deeper waterswhere temperatures will cause the PCM to solidify and expand, the waterwill exit compartment 607 through valve 605, forced by the activity ofthe expanding bladder 606. This will reduce the device's weight and thedevice's buoyancy will become larger, causing the glider's ascending tobegin. When glider 600 reaches the water surface, where the water is notas cold (thermocline), the PCM will start melting, thus releasing thepressure on the gas chamber 645. Valve 602 will open and the oil thathad expanded bladder 606 will return back into oil chamber 646 by theaction of opening the external valve 607 for ambient water to come ininto water chamber 607 and compress the bladder to empty the oil back toits chamber 646. This will flood the water compartment with ambientwater, it will increase the glider's weight more than its buoyancy, andthe descending motion of the glider will begin.

When the glider was at the ocean surface, the reciprocating mass 505 hadtravelled to the furthest point possible from the glider's nose, andclose to pulley 512. At the surface, or highest point, the quantity ofthe water which floods the water compartment 607 for descending, tipsthe device's nose downwards and the descending begins. Therefore, thereciprocating mass 505, starts travelling on guide rail 506 downwards,thus causing the rotation of freewheel 517 and producing electricalpower to be stored in the battery. Pre-charged battery 642 can be used,but alternatively, mass 505 can the pre-charged battery for economizingon the device's weight. The battery, will be continuously re-charged,throughout the glider's journey, by the mass reciprocation on guide rail506, thus converting an excess of thermal energy captured by the thermalengine to electricity.

Underwater glider vehicle 600 carries payload 641, which contains allelectronics and sensors for the glider's mission. The vehicle is alsoequipped with antenna 621 for satellite data uploading and navigationalcommands downloading, when it reaches the ocean surface. The glider isalso equipped with wings 626 and 624, as well as rudder 622 andelevators 638 and 639, for yaw and pitch control, respectively.

Underwater glider vehicle 600 utilizes the reciprocating massunidirectional rotation system as it was described for FIGS. 15a, 15b,15c or in FIGS. 16a and 16b . FIG. 18, shows only partially thereciprocating mass turbine, which is used to provide shaft'sunidirectional rotation in both ascending and descending of the glider.

The reciprocating mass turbine which comprises shaft 510, mass 505mounted for reciprocation on guide rack 506, provides unidirectionalrotational motion to freewheels 516 and 526. An external power sourcesuch as the ocean waves or the sun powers the pitching motion of theguide rack, whereby the external power provided is converted into anefficient rotation, which can be converted to electricity by agenerator.

FIG. 19 shows another preferred embodiment operating on the oceansurface. It utilizes the eccentric mass 710 which is mounted forrotation in the directions of arrows 712, about an upwards shaft 725.Bearings facilitate the rotation about the shaft.

Vessel 720 floats on the ocean waves 714, which have a direction 713.Shaft 725 and eccentric mass 710 are entirely enclosed in vessel 720 byvessel roof 719. Shaft 725 is fixed on vessel's floor 718.

Mooring lines are used to prevent the unconstrained yaw rotation of thevessel. FIG. 19 shows mooring lines 722 and 724 secured on substantiallyopposite placed vessel mooring supports 723 and 721. Vessel 720 ismoored in a position that mooring supports 723 and 721 are on a line,line 736, substantially perpendicular to wave direction 713.

The mooring lines on each mooring support have different stiffnesses.Mooring line 722 has a higher elasticity than line 724. When vessel 720is pushed back and forth by surging waves 714, mooring line 722, beingmore elastic than line 724, allows the vessel to swing in a limitedelliptical back and forth surging pathway such as arc 730, and not in astraight line. Along this arc pathway, the vessel moves in a combinedmotion, which includes a limited yaw displacement as well. This limitedyaw displacement occurs due to the stiffness of line 724 acting uponmooring support 721 and therefore keeping it in a more restrainedposition than mooring support 723, which is tied with the more elasticline 722. The vessel's elliptical pathway travelling and limited yawdisplacement motion is also transferred to fixed shaft 725, which inturn swings the eccentric mass 710, thus promoting the mass' rotationaround the shaft more efficiently than if the vessel were to move backand forth on a straight-line pathway.

The difference in mooring line stiffnesses is an asymmetry which is usedto promote the mass rotation. Additional preferred embodimentsincorporate additional asymmetries, such as the asymmetric positioningof the mass's shaft at a point on the vessel floor which does not belongto an axis of symmetry of the vessel. Yet, other preferred embodimentsutilize vessels of different shapes from the oval shape used for thevessel shown in FIG. 19, or a circular shape.

In another preferred embodiment, the shaft 725 of FIG. 19 is upwardlyextended and fixed on the vessel roof 719 at point 726, as it is shownby the dashed lines in the figure. Also in a preferred embodiment,generator 727 is fixed on vessel's floor 718 and generates electricity,as shown in FIG. 6. In other preferred embodiments the generator issupported by a table fixed on the vessel floor. Yet, in anotherpreferred embodiment the generator is fixed under the roof of thevessel. Furthermore, other preferred embodiments utilize a gear box totransfer rotation from the eccentric mass to the generator.

The turbine of FIG. 19 can provide electricity to the electrical grid731 via underwater cable 734, or to a battery array 732. A control means733 comprising electronic monitoring of the angular velocity of theeccentric mass as well as activation of the mode switch of the generatormode to motor mode for maintaining the mass angular velocity at aminimum value when the waves do not cause the angular motion of the massabove this minimum value. A plurality of turbines can be in an oceanfarm configuration, which can generate electrical power at a largescale.

Another preferred embodiment utilizes a plurality of eccentric massesbearing mounted for rotation about corresponding shafts which are fixedinside a vessel similar to the vessel of FIG. 19. FIG. 20 shows apreferred embodiment which comprises two eccentric masses 752 and 762,which are bearing mounted for rotation about corresponding shafts 755and 765. Eccentric mass 752 provides rotation to generator 757, which isfixed on the vessel's floor. Eccentric mass 762 provides rotation togenerator 767 which is fixed on an elevated structural element or table766, fixed on the vessel floor. Eccentric mass 762 rotates at a planehigher than that of eccentric mass 752 so that both can rotate in a fullcircle rotation without colliding on each other. Also, the shafts areplaced at a distance from each other so that the rotating masses do notcollide on them while rotating in a full circle.

Eccentric masses 752 and 762 are entirely enclosed for rotation byvessel roof 750. Shafts 755 and 765 are upwardly extended and fixed onroof 750 at points 758 and 768 respectively.

The external surface of roof 750 securely supports solar photovoltaiccells or PV panels with cells, such as photovoltaic cells 770, 771, 772,773. These cells generate electricity when they are exposed to thedaylight while the vessel floats. The electricity produced by the cellsis stored via cable 774 to battery 775, which is securely fixed insidethe vessel. This electricity can be used for the electrical power needsof the control system or for providing power to the grid via theturbine's underwater cable.

FIG. 20 shows the vessel tied on the side of mooring support 723, thatis the more elastic side's mooring support, with mooring line 722, whichmay include a spring part 745, implementing the elastic side mooringmeans. The stiffer side's mooring support 721 is tied with a mooringline 744 in addition to line 724, for restraining better the vessel onthat side and implementing the stiffer side mooring means. The stifferside mooring means provide stiffer overall mooring than the elastic sidemooring means. Elastic mooring lines with spring components arecommercially available from companies such as TFI Marine, 6 CharlemontTerrace, Crofton Road, Dim Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 F8W5, Ireland.

Other preferred embodiments utilize alternative mooring configurations,such as multiple lines in each side which can be of different materialssuch as steel, nylon etc., however, the overall mooring stiffnessprovided to the one side mooring support is different from the overallstiffness provided to the opposite side mooring support.

A preferred embodiment uses identical eccentric masses. Anotherpreferred embodiment uses non identical eccentric masses. Yet anotherembodiment includes a plurality of shafts, that is more than one or twoshafts, and corresponding masses for rotation, all in one vessel.

The turbine of FIG. 20 is utilized to convert renewable wave and solarenergy into electrical power. As each renewable source is intermittenthaving periods of zero production, but not at the same time necessarily,the aggregate power output variability of both sources combined is lowerthan each output of each source separately, thus providing an combinedelectrical power output waveform smother and with less interruptions,which is very useful for powering devices and applications withelectricity.

An additional preferred embodiment combining renewable wave and solarenergy conversion is the electrical power production plant 800 shown inFIG. 21. Each tube of plant 800 utilizes the turbine with thereciprocating mass and corresponding mechanism within the vessel shownin FIG. 17. FIG. 21 shows a reciprocating mass, such as mass 505, and acorresponding mechanism entirely enclosed in each tube, such as tubes780 and 782.

Each tube is disposed on waves 790 with an oncoming wave direction 791.Each tube has a corresponding longitudinal axis, such as axes 781 and783 for tubes 780 and 782 respectively, substantially parallel to theoncoming wave direction 791. Each mass in each tube, reciprocates on aguide rail parallel to the tube's longitudinal axis, due to the mass'sweight during the pitch motion of the waves. A plurality of tubes eachcontaining a corresponding reciprocating mass, a reciprocating massmechanism and a generator, is fixed and aligned in parallel to eachother forming a group of parallel fixed tubes. This creates a largefloating area, on top of the group of tubes, for installation of anelectrical grid-scale power production floating solar park. That is, thewave energy converting tubes create an area for a solar parkinstallation, as well. The wave energy source captured by each tube'spitch motion is converted to electricity by the electrical generatorenclosed in each tube. The aggregate output of the power produced byeach generator can amount to a grid-scale production, as well. Placing aplurality of tubes fixed to each other is feasible and power densityadvantageous as each mass reciprocates longitudinally when producingelectrical power, thus providing the suitability of placing many tubesfixed in parallel. Furthermore, manufacturing-wise this wave-solar parkis of low cost, as tubes, such as steel tubes, are commerciallyavailable through continuous manufacturing processes, which lowers theresulting levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of the plant and which in turnincreases the feasibility of commercialization of the so far notexploitable ocean wave energy. Batteries, fixed inside each tube can beused for electrical power storage. The power produced is provided to thegrid via underwater cable 801.

In addition, FIG. 21 shows a plurality of groups of tubes, such as tubegroups 797, 798 and 799, tied to each other in succession and disposedfor a pitching motion, when floating on the waves. The area on top ofeach group of the fixed together parallel tubes holds fixed solarphotovoltaic (PV) panels with cells. FIG. 21 shows solar cells, such ascells 793, 794, 795 installed on solar panels, such as PV panel 796. Aplurality of panels on each group of tubes forms a solar park. Theplurality of the tube groups is disposed for a pitching motion on theocean waves 790 with oncoming direction 791. Each tube of each group,such group 797, pitches as shown by arrows 792. Each reciprocating mass,such as mass 505 inside each tube of each tube group, reciprocatesaccording to the waves pitch motion causing the rotation of the rotorshaft of an electricity producing generator, as it was shown in FIG. 17.

Furthermore, FIG. 21 shows that the plurality of each tube group is tiedin succession through joints such as joint 789, with joint arms andcardan joints or ropes, such as ropes 787 and 788. The plurality of thetube groups is moored in the ocean with mooring lines 785 and 786, asshown in FIG. 21, which keeps plant 800 moored with the tubes'longitudinal axes substantially aligned with the direction of theoncoming waves.

A plant, such as plant 800, can provide a substantial electrical energyto the grid. Farms of such plants in collocation with offshore windfarms can solve the baseload clean power production for all humanityneeds forever.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by wayof example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions willoccur to those of skill in the art without departing from the inventionherein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited onlyby the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A turbine comprising: an upwards shaft; a mass eccentrically andbearing mounted for rotation about said shaft on a rotational planeperpendicular to said shaft; said mass having its center of gravity at adistance from said shaft; a floating vessel having a floor and a roof,being in communication with ocean waves having a wave direction; saidshaft being fixed inside said vessel; said roof entirely enclosing saidshaft and said mass for protection from ocean water; a stiffer sidemooring support fixed on said vessel and an elastic side mooring supportfixed on said vessel; said supports being aligned substantiallyperpendicularly to said wave direction; a stiffer side mooring meanswith a stiffer side mooring stiffness tying on said stiffer side mooringsupport and an elastic side mooring means with an elastic side mooringstiffness tying on said elastic side mooring support, for allowing alimited yaw and a reciprocating surge-swing motion of said vessel whensaid vessel is disposed on said ocean wave direction; said stiffer sidemooring stiffness being different from said elastic side mooringstiffness, whereby said limited yaw and said reciprocating surge-swingmotion of said vessel is transferred to said fixed shaft causing saidmass to rotate at an angular velocity when said vessel is disposed tosaid ocean waves.
 2. The turbine of claim 1 wherein: said stiffer sidemooring means is at least one stiff mooring line with a stiffer sideanchor anchoring on the seabed and said elastic side mooring means is atleast one elastic mooring line with a spring and an elastic side anchoranchoring on the seabed.
 3. The turbine of claim 1 further including:solar energy to electricity converting photovoltaic cells fixed on saidroof.
 4. The turbine of claim 1 further including: an electricalgenerator having a rotor in rotational communication with said mass anda stator fixed in said vessel.
 5. The turbine of claim 1 furtherincluding: a control means for maintaining said mass angular velocity ata minimum predetermined value by constantly monitoring electronicallysaid mass angular velocity.
 6. A turbine comprising: a plurality ofupwards shafts each having a corresponding longitudinal axis and acorresponding mass eccentrically and bearing mounted for collision-freefull circle rotations; said corresponding mass having its center ofgravity at a distance from said corresponding shaft longitudinal axis; afloating vessel having a floor and a roof, being in communication withocean waves having a wave direction; said plurality of upwards shaftsbeing fixed inside said vessel; said roof entirely enclosing saidplurality of shafts and masses for protection from ocean water; astiffer side mooring support fixed on said vessel and an elastic sidemooring support fixed on said vessel; said supports being alignedsubstantially perpendicularly to said wave direction; a stiffer sidemooring means with a stiffer side mooring stiffness tying on saidstiffer side mooring support and an elastic side mooring means with anelastic side mooring stiffness tying on said elastic side mooringsupport, for allowing a limited yaw and a reciprocating surge-swingmotion of said vessel when said vessel is disposed on said ocean wavedirection; said stiffer side mooring stiffness being different from saidelastic side mooring stiffness, whereby said limited yaw and saidreciprocating surge-swing motion of said vessel is transferred to saidplurality of fixed shafts causing said corresponding mass to rotate atan angular velocity when said vessel is disposed to said ocean waves. 7.The turbine of claim 6 wherein: said stiffer side mooring means is atleast one stiff mooring line with a stiffer side anchor anchoring on theseabed and said elastic side mooring means is at least one elasticmooring line with a spring and an elastic side anchor anchoring on theseabed.
 8. The turbine of claim 6 further including: solar energy toelectricity converting photovoltaic cells fixed on said roof.
 9. Theturbine of claim 6 further including: a plurality of electricalgenerators each being in rotational communication with saidcorresponding mass and having a stator fixed in said vessel.
 10. Theturbine of claim 6 further including: a control means for maintainingsaid corresponding mass angular velocity at a minimum predeterminedvalue by constantly monitoring electronically said corresponding massangular velocity.
 11. An electricity grid-scale offshore powerproduction wave and solar energy plant comprising: a plurality of groupsof fixed and aligned in parallel tubes floating on ocean waves with anoncoming wave direction; each said tube of each said group being havinga longitudinal axis substantially parallel to said wave direction andbeing receiving a pitch motion; each said group of tubes being forming asubstantially large area for an installation of solar energy panelsgenerating a grid-scale electrical power; each said tube having entirelyenclosed a fixed on said tube guide rail with a guide rail longitudinalaxis parallel to said tube longitudinal axis, a reciprocating mass beingmounted on said guide rail for a reciprocating motion having a forwarddirection and a backward direction, a shaft with a shaft main axis beingbearing mounted on said tube perpendicularly to said guide raillongitudinal axis for rotation about said shaft main axis, an electricalgenerator being fixed in said tube and in rotational communication withsaid shaft, a first freewheel being mounted for rotation on and engagingin a first direction said shaft, a second freewheel being mounted forrotation on and engaging in said first direction said shaft, power driveand gearing means being attached to said reciprocating mass and engagingsaid first freewheel for rotation in said first direction when saidreciprocating mass being in said forward direction and said secondfreewheel for rotation in said first direction when said reciprocatingmass being in said backward direction; each said group of said tubesbeing tied in succession and moored in the ocean aligning each said tubelongitudinal axis with said oncoming wave direction, whereby saidelectrical generator of each said tube of each said group, due to saidpitch motion, produces a substantial amount of electrical power inaddition to said grid-scale power of said installation of solar energypanels of each said group.